Research

Currently active research projects.

• Avocado: Management tactics for the avocado lace bug, Pseudacysta perseae, sampling techniques for avocado mirids, Dagbertus sp.
• Papaya: Seasonality of aphids, mealybugs and leafhoppers affecting papaya.
• Annona: Sampling techniques and seasonality and the control of the annona seed borer, Bephratelloides cubensis and, annona moth, Cerconota annonella. Pollination of Annona spp.
• Litchi: Identification, biology and control of the litchi moth, Crocidosema litchivora; determined litchi non-host status for Anastrepha suspensa.; biology and control of the scale Andaspis punicae.
• Mango: Management of pests of mango and relationship of mango pests (e.g., Aceria mangiferae) to mango decline.
• Guava: Identification of guava pests and developed control methods for Anastrepha suspensa.
• Banana: Microbial control of the banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus, trapping and control of the weevil Metamasius hemipterus; determined the biology, seasonality, microbial, chemical and physical control of the banana moth, Opogona sacchari.
• Develop strategies for the use of biological controls as the primary tactic to manage populations of very significant pests of tropical fruit crops and vegetables: current effort on Classical Biological Control of the Diaprepes root weevil in Florida.
• Determine arthropod-plant interactions in natural habitats of southern Florida, with emphasis in habitats surrounding the Everglades National Park.

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